This four way regatta pits the four corners of Pisa against each other, rowing not only to compete for quarter civic pride but also to remind the rest of us of Pisa’s glorious maritime past. Boating competitions have been part of Pisan tradition since the middle ages, but this four cornered race began as part of the Feast of the Assumption, but moved to Saint Ramieri, the patron saint of Pisa, early in the 18th Century.

Eight rowers are allowed on each team, then a man to steer and a man to climb up the 10 metre rope to collect the winning banner. The whole race is only 1500 metres and finishes outside the Palazzo Medici, where, coincidently, one of the early patrons lived, when the boats pull up and the climber takes his turn in the relay.

On the evening before the race, usually held mid June, the Arno and its route are lit up with torches and candles and lights and a parade of antique boats takes to the water to get everyone in the mood.

Written by  World Reviewer Staff.

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